Atlanta School Offers Flexible Track for Student Athletes

For student athletes training 20 hours a week while chasing college dreams, traditional school schedules often force an impossible choice between the classroom and the field.

Atlanta International School solved that problem three years ago with AISx, a hybrid program that bends schedules around student passions without lowering academic standards. Students attend most classes in person alongside their peers but get personalized timetables with early releases, late starts, or flexible Fridays when competitions call.

"Without compromising on your academic quality or the holistic support that you're going to need to pursue your passions, we can support you with some sort of flexible scheduling," says Adam Lapish, the school's IB Diploma Programme coordinator. The secret is keeping students integrated with the full-time campus community while adding online coursework for travel weeks.

The program started with 38 players from Atlanta United's youth soccer academy and recently partnered with tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou's global academy network. Both partnerships are growing, with tennis enrollment expected to double next year.

But AISx isn't just for academy athletes. Individual students pursuing fencing, ballet, acting, or any high-commitment passion can apply if they're dedicating at least 15 hours weekly to their craft.

The bar for entry isn't about rankings or trophies. It's about serious commitment and frequent travel for competitions or training camps. Families typically arrive after traditional schools couldn't accommodate their schedules.

Students in grades 6 through 12 can join, and they're free to switch back to the regular track if priorities change. Academic goals stay personal too, whether that means Ivy League prep courses or a direct path to professional sports.

The Ripple Effect

As AISx has grown, Atlanta International School created dedicated positions including a learning support teacher and counselor who work exclusively with these students. The specialized support recognizes that juggling elite competition with college prep creates unique pressures.

The model worked so well locally that the school is launching AISx Online in August 2026, letting families anywhere in the world access the same flexible approach. That expansion could help thousands of young athletes and artists worldwide who currently face the same impossible scheduling conflicts.

The program proves schools don't have to choose between academic excellence and student dreams. Sometimes the best education means getting out of the way so kids can chase both.